Virginia’s Department of Health (VDH) has confirmed 20 known cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections in patients who swam at Lake Anna over Memorial Day weekend. Deputy Director Katherine McCombs said swimming at the lake is the only known connection between the patients.

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The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed to Potomac Local it has launched an investigation after multiple people fell ill after swimming at Lake Anna over Memorial Day weekend.

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A new VA hospital in Spotsylvania County, set to open in March 2025, is generating significant concern about traffic congestion in the area.

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The poll results underscore the community’s strong preference for Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, which has established itself as a leading healthcare provider in the area. With a reputation for high-quality medical care, advanced technology, and patient-centered services, it’s clear why so many locals trust this institution with their health needs.

Coming in a distant second, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center received 24 votes (5.59%). While this facility is recognized for its comprehensive services and modern amenities, it has less of a footprint in the local community compared to Sentara.


Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center press release: Dedicated volunteers from the Woodbridge Woman’s Club (WWC) gather twice a month at the Sentara Cancer Network Resource Center on the campus of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) to put their sewing talents to work creating heart-shaped pillows and other comfort items. Crafted by hand and made with love, these pillows are given free of charge to Sentara cancer and surgery patients.

The Health and Wellness Pillow Making Project began as a volunteer-driven, community service project to help support individuals facing cancer diagnoses. People find relief from acute pain by holding the pillows to their chests. Just as importantly, they find reassurance in knowing that people care.


As the Veterans Affairs Clinic enters the final year of construction, there are several transportation improvements north of Exit 126 in Fredericksburg to improve access to this needed facility for area veterans.

This May, the ribbon will be cut on one of those improvements: the Route 17 bridge over Interstate 95 at Mills Drive, just south of the clinic. The $23.5 million project includes a four-lane bridge with pedestrian accommodations. The old bridge was “structurally deficient,” VDOT said.


Fredericksburg Continuum of Care: On January 22, 2024 the Fredericksburg Regional Continuum of Care (CoC) received funding in the amount of $21,000 to support the Community Based Eligibility Worker Program to provide outreach to individuals and families experiencing homeless to access Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) more easily.

hoThe CoC is the federally mandated coalition responsible for planning and implementing homeless services throughout Planning District 16, including the Counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, and the City of Fredericksburg.


Mary Washington Healthcare: Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) is proud to announce the three-year re-accreditation of Mary Washington Hospital’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Department by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Accreditation was received in all available modules which includes body, cardiac, head, spine, musculoskeletal, and MR Angiography. There were no recommendations for improvement.


Sentara Health: Carol Shapiro, MD, MBA, FACS, physician and director of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s Wound Healing Center, was honored with the 2024 Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award from the Prince William Chamber of Commerce on February 23 during the chamber’s annual awards banquet.

The award, named in memory of longtime state Senator Charles J. Colgan, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions throughout their lives in service to the business community in Prince William County.


UVA Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas, home of the county’s only NICU, is now participating in UVA Health’s telemedicine program with UVA Health Children’s Hospital in Charlottesville.

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